Overview

• Sly Stone fronted Sly and the Family Stone to mainstream acclaim with a groundbreaking fusion of funk, soul and psychedelic rock, releasing classics like "Dance to the Music," "Everyday People" and "Family Affair."
• His multiracial, mixed-gender lineup was the first of its kind on a major stage, galvanizing audiences with socially conscious performances at Woodstock in 1969 and redefining pop music’s cultural landscape.
• Escalating cocaine addiction and erratic stage appearances in the early 1970s fractured the group and led to its breakup by the mid-1970s.
• Stone passed away peacefully at age 82 on June 9, 2025, following a protracted battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other health issues.
• His pioneering sound reshaped popular music, inspiring musicians from Miles Davis and Prince to contemporary hip-hop artists who continue to sample his grooves.